May 23--REPORTING FROM SACRAMENTO -- Celebrity Kim Kardashian's 2011 wedding to Kris Humphries not only produced headlines over their quick divorce, but now is also responsible for legislation that would significantly increase fines against hosts of unpermitted big events that tie up traffic and public resources.
The California Assembly on Friday approved a bill that would boost fines after Santa Barbara County could levy only a $100 fine against the Montecito homeowner who hosted the Kardashian-Humphries nuptials, even though it generated a flood of neighbors' complaints over traffic and other problems. The event was held at the home of venture capitalist Frank Caufield.
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FOR THE RECORD: A previous version of this post said that the Kim Kardashian-Kris Humphries wedding was held at the home of Google Executive Chairman Eric E. Schmidt. It was held at the home of venture capitalist Frank Caufield.
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Assemblyman Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) said the Kardashian wedding cost public agencies thousands of dollars that were not covered by the host, so the $100 fine was insufficient.
"Taxpayers should not have to pay for extra traffic control and other public safety services for wealthy people who skirt the law," Williams told his Assembly colleagues before the vote to approve AB 514.
Williams' bill would allow counties and cities to impose fines of up to $5,000 for the first violation of local ordinances, including building and safety codes, and up to $10,000 for each subsequent violation.
In the case of the Kardashian wedding, the property owner did not obtain all the necessary permits for the large event that attracted some 300 guests, Williams said. The permit fee would have been higher than the violation fine for the event.
The Kardashian-Humphries marriage lasted 72 days before she filed for divorce.
